Concept
Adapts to you. Not the other way around.
Tension. Maximum concentration. No time to think. The sound engineer and mixing console must merge into a single unit during productions. The operation of the console and the audio software must therefore be as intuitive and easy to learn as we are used to with mobile applications. Clear. Simple. Accessible. The AVATUS development is backed by experienced sound engineers.
Intuitive interface design and layout.
Simple. Elegant. Tidy. We have designed the user interface for all configuration sizes according to these specifications. New users in particular can quickly find their way around and get to work. The touchscreens are characterised by their clearly structured UI design. Buttons and controls have been kept large and simple to ensure they can be operated under all conditions.
Another detail that impresses in everyday use: AVATUS utilises the entire available space for channel control strips, which can be assigned as required. A massive, expansive central control panel? No such thing. Instead, you can control all the ‘central’ functions via the touchscreen in front of you. At any position on the console - the touch of a finger is all it takes. The standardised design of the console has extensive configurability: Your most frequently used channels, groups, bus masters etc., can be assigned to any fader strip. With 16 freely configurable layers and many functions with direct access, AVATUS is one of the most versatile mixing consoles on the market.
One mixer - multiple operations.
AVATUS perfects our multi-user approach to audio mixing consoles. Thanks to TCP/IP technology, each element can be positioned individually and operated independently! This means, for example, that several technicians can work in parallel and independently on one mixing console, especially for large productions.
AVATUS supports two completely independent PFL/solo/control room infrastructures.
Comprehensive monitoring, source monitoring and talk/talk-back functions round off the console's flexibility. Within the touchscreen pages there is a separate area for the monitor section settings. This page displays functions that you would normally find in the central control panel of the console. The same applies here: you can access these features directly from any point. You can also link a special set of rotary encoders to the volume control of headphones or monitoring speakers.
Complete integration
As part of the STAGETEC world, AVATUS is of course fully integrated into perhaps the most comprehensive audio network currently available: NEXUS! The interaction between mixing console and network has been refined and perfected over decades. For example, freely configurable control buttons enabling direct access to almost all system functions and the control of external devices. This also includes logical links, evaluation of conditions, processes and access to the entire router directly from the mixing console.
The interface
AVATUS is our answer to the diverse challenges of the modern audio world. The key: maximum flexibility. The unique combination of haptic-mechanical controls and large, customisable touchscreens allows completely intuitive operation. You have the freedom to organise your workflow as you wish. Each control channel has two touchscreens, four touch multifunction rotary encoders with dual function, eight industry-grade buttons and a finely tuned, touch-sensitive motorised fader.
The four touch-sensitive concentric dual encoders enable control of audio parameters through tactile feedback.
These encoders have become a characteristic feature of STAGETEC mixing consoles. With two separate control elements on one axis and an integrated button on the upper rotary knob, up to three parameters can be controlled via a single rotary encoder. The function assignment follows the selected audio module on the lower screen and can be read at a glance, thanks to the uniform design with clear colour coding used across the entire user interface. In addition, the RGB LED lighting gives the AVATUS rotary encoder its unique appearance.
Many features - one goal: AVATUS adapts to the user‘s requirements and workflows, not the other way around. The colour-coded backlighting of the faders helps to identify the channel type quickly and easily.
In addition to regular integration, AVATUS offers comprehensive and innovative cue automation with fast, simple workflows tailored to the needs of daily production. Any NEXUS network settings or actions can be automated, sequenced and controlled in any scene of your show.
Our DSP concept: performance meets longevity.
With AVATUS, we remain true to our DSP philosophy: all large STAGETEC mixing consoles work with the same DSP cards. This means that all product families benefit from further developments in software and hardware. An important building block for the longevity of our mixing consoles - and a decisive contribution to sustainability.
The NEXUS Star router - basic device with special features.
We have developed the NEXUS Star-Router - a six units high rack deterministic audio routing device. This allows us to meet particularly high routing demands in a NEXUS network. Compared to classic NEXUS system base devices which run on a TDM bus for communication between the plug-in cards, it offers its own redundant matrix with 4,096 inputs and 4,096 outputs. A further advantage: several star routers can be networked in a NEXUS network. Huge audio network can be realised in combination with the XRT router card, can process 8,448 inputs to 8,448 outputs.
The mixing console in the Star router couldn't be more centralised.
The control and DSP cards of STAGETEC's audio consoles are located in the Star Router. Here, they can directly access huge numbers of audio channels processed in a mixing console. This direct connection to the matrix of the NEXUS Star Router creates a flexible routing environment where each input can be connected to any input port. The same is true for the output ports. The bus structure is just as flexible in its routing capacities. The most outstanding difference to the concepts of other manufacturers: our mixing consoles are part of the matrix and not its centre.
The RMDQ DSP cards - flexible redundancy.
Audio signal processing takes place on the DSP cards called ‘RMDQ’. Their hardware architecture is optimised for low heat generation, while the software is designed for the user to configure flexible combinations of numerous input channels and buses. The user is free to determine both the number, format and the utilisation of the buses. Sums, Groups, AUX paths, N-1 buses - everything can be customised as required. All DSP resources are always available in each channel for calculating of the intended audio processing functions. Depending on the configuration, up to 800 audio channels or 128 buses can be operated.
Depending on the DSP requirements the STAR router can be upgraded to a maximum of seven RMDQ cards. In order to ensure the greatest possible reliability, each NEXUS Star router has a fully redundant internal structure. If the requirements increase in systems with fewer than 7 DSP cards, it is always possible to add more RMDQ cards (up to 7).
The redundancy of the DSP is even more flexible. For each project, you can decide whether to configure an RMDQ card as a redundant card or if you prefer to utilise the full DSP resources for this project. More performance or more security - you make the decision depending on the project at hand. This helps save hardware costs.
We have now developed the fourth generation of RMDQ cards. Here, too, we remain true to our philosophy of making the new series backward-compatible with the previous ‘RMD’ version. This is important for value retention, but above all for the longevity and therefore the sustainability of our products!
